Wayne Rooney hails 'important' Birmingham arrivals as Man Utd legend makes mark

16 October 2023 , 20:15

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New Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has turned to some trusted lieutenants as he puts his stamp on the club's coaching staff (Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

New Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney has hailed two of his incoming coaches as he continues to put his own stamp on the backroom staff at St Andrew's.

The former England captain will be eager to hit the ground running after his appointment as John Eustace's successor in the Second City. After bringing in ex-teammates John O'Shea and Ashley Cole to assist him, he has also turned to a couple of other trusted coaching lieutenants.

The Manchester United hero has handed roles to Carl Robinson and Pete Shuttleworth, with whom he worked in his previous jobs. In the case of the former, he formed part of his coaching staff at D.C United, while the latter has served under him in all of his coaching posts to date.

Now, the newly-appointed Blues head coach has explained what the coaches will bring to his set-up at the EFL Championship outfit. Starting with Robinson, he asserted: "Carl Robinson is very experienced. He managed in Vancouver, managed in Australia, and he was also with me in D.C. United."

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"He is really at home on the training pitch and can really help myself and the coaching group," he added. When it comes to Shuttleworth, he also spoke in glowing terms about his credentials, saying: "Pete Shuttleworth has been with me at Derby County and D.C. United. He is a very good coach. He is very good in team meetings and individual meetings as well. It’s a role which is really important and he’s an important member of my coaching staff."

In addition, it is clear Rooney is equally excited about teaming up with his old colleagues at club and international level. Both Cole and O'Shea arrive with extensive coaching experience gained since their successful playing days, with their arrivals representing something of a coup for the Midlands side.

Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney has brought in some trusted allies from his time with D.C. United (Getty Images)

In O'Shea, the Blues will be gaining a coach who has served at Reading as a first-team coach, alongside a role as assistant manager of Ireland's U21 team. Ex-England stalwart Cole, meanwhile, has a varied CV since hanging up his boots, having coached at Derby, Chelsea and Everton previously.

On being able to lure the duo to St Andrew's, Rooney said: "I haven’t worked with them as coaches, but I’ve been a teammate of both of them. When we talk about a winning mentality, the career they have both had really provides that.

"For the younger players at the club, coming in and seeing the likes of Ashley Cole, learning how they can help develop them, how they can help develop players in the squad. They are also very important members of the coaching team, each coach will have their different roles but ultimately we are one team."

Tom Beattie